Bammera Pothana
15th century Telugu poet and his wonderful poem
(Image source: Google)
Pothana Garu is a well-known Telugu poet in the 15th century. Every Telugu household will know about him and he is also one of the makers of Indian Literature; his poems are part of the education curriculum.
The below poem is from Sreemadhandhra Bhagavatam written by Pothana Garu in Telugu. Bhagavatam was written originally by Veda Vyas in Sanskrit.
The context for this poem:
From the legend of Baktha Prahalada (Devotee Prahalada):
Father, Hiranyakashyapa is a devotee of Lord Shiva and an enemy of Lord Vishnu. However, his son, Prahalada is a devotee of Lord Vishnu or Narayana. This does not bode well for Hiranyakashyapa. So he sends his son to teachers who can impart knowledge. Upon return, Hiranyakashyapa asks his son - what have you learned? Prahalada recites this poem and declares his devotion to Lord Narayana and his omnipresence.
I attempted a translation to English of this beautiful work for the world to know a great Telugu poet. If any mistakes, I ask Pothana Garu to forgive me.
Open to any feedback. Feel free to let me know.
Mandhara makarandha madhuryamuna delu
Madhupambu bovune madanamulaku?
Dwelling in the sweet fragrances of Hibiscus flower
Will a Bumblebee ever go to Datura or a poison flower?
Nirmala mandhakini veechikala duugu
Rayancha janune taranginulaku?
Flying near the clear pristine waters of the Mandakini river
Will a Royal Swan ever go to dry, dirty, and mud-luscious waters?
Lalita rasaala pallava khadiyai chokku
Koyila cherune kutajamaluku?
Eating the ripe leaves of a clean Mango tree
Will a Cuckoo ever go to a wild tree with fragrance-less flowers?
Purnendhu chandrika sphuritha chakoraka
Marugane sandra neeharamulaku?
Drinking the nectar in the Full Moon
Will a Chakor bird ever go to drink thick snow?
Ambujodhara divya padaravindha
Chintanamarutha pana vishesha mathha
Chithhame reethi Nitharambu jera nerchu?
At the divine lotus feet of Lord Narayana
drinking heavenly nectar
Will a devoted mind ever think and learn of anything else?
Vinuthagunaseela! Maatalu veyu nela?
Oh Father, you with such good qualities, why any other words?
You can hear the poem recited by P.Susheela Amma at the below location:
References:
పోతన తెలుగు భాగవతం గణనోపాఖ్యానం: 7-150 మందార మకరంద (pothana-telugu-bhagavatham.blogspot.com)
Sreemadhandhra Bhagavatam by Chaganti Koteshwara Rao